New Orleans Saints Sign Veteran Kicker Daniel Carlson

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The revolving door at kicker for the New Orleans Saints may have finally stopped, with a veteran kicker joining the team. The team is signing free agent Daniel Carlson, according to his agents.

Why the Saints Moved on From the Current Kickers

The Saints had a kicking competition in training camp between Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth. However, inconsistent performances from both have apparently prompted the team to look elsewhere.

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Saints Turn to Veteran Kicker Daniel Carlson

Now, with Carlson, the team has a proven veteran who was an All-Pro in 2021 and 2022.

Daniel Carlson's NFL Track Record

The 31-year-old Carlson was a 2018 fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings. However, he was with the Las Vegas Raiders from midseason 2018 to 2025. The Raiders decided not to re-sign him after he made only 81.5% of his kicks last season, which was his lowest percentage since 2019.

Charlie Smyth's Saints Journey

Smyth entered the offseason as the potential kicker of the future after taking over when Blake Grupe was cut last season. Smyth came to the Saints via the International Player Pathway and had been with the team as an additional practice squad player since 2024. He made 12 of 16 field goal attempts last year in six games.

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Brown was signed by the Saints in June after playing for the Louisville Kings in the UFL. He was known for his big leg, having kicked three 60+ yard field goals this past spring in the UFL.

How Have the Saints Kickers Performed?

Brown went 2-for-3 on field-goal attempts in the preseason, while Smyth missed his lone attempt.